Starting the Demo
PC: The Vensim installation program installs an icon in the Program Managers group you choose (by default the first, usually accessories); double click on this icon. You can also start the demo by invoking the File>Run command from the Program Manager, and then entering the full path and name for the Demo (usually C:\VENDEMO\VENSIM).
Macintosh:Double Click on the Vensim Demonstrator icon.
Using the Demo
When the Demo starts, you will find yourself inside a menu-driven Vensim Application (Venapp). Use the mouse to select one of the options. The button Overview of Vensim’s Capabilities runs through some of the features of modeling in Vensim. The button Exploration of Sample Models allows you to explore a number of different models through Vensim Applications (Section 2). The button Vensim Development Environment accesses a powerful and flexible user-directed environment for developing and working with models. Section 3 gives a brief description of basic operations in the Vensim Development Environment. Section 4 explains how to simulate and analyze an existing model. Section 5 shows you how to build and simulate your own models. You can exit and restart the demo at any time; you cannot save any models you create or modify.
NOTEThe Demo will terminate automatically after two hours of inactivity. If you return to your computer and the Demo is no longer active, you will need to restart it.
License
The Vensim Demonstration Program is provided to you for evaluation purposes only and is subject to the terms of the license agreement that is displayed during installation. You are free to pass to demo program on to other people, but only in its original uninstalled form. The Demo software may not be used in any consulting or other commercial activity.
Information and References
Several books are available that provide information on continuous dynamic modeling, and include instruction on how to build models as well as example models. Industrial Dynamics by Jay Forrester is a foundational text book on the theory and practice (how-to) of system dynamics modeling, and is directed at managing business operations. Principles of Systems by Jay Forrester is a basic guide to system dynamics modeling developed from his courses at MIT. These, and other books, can be found at Pegasus Communications, in Waltham, MA (1-781-398-9700). The System Dynamics Review is a peer-reviewed journal which publishes articles on dynamic modeling. Subscriptions can be ordered from John Wiley and Sons (for more information check out http://www.vensim.com/sdmail). The Vensim PLE User's Guid which is available from our web site (www.vensim.com) or the Tutorial and Modeling Guide, which ship with the Vensim software, introduce building system dynamics models, with practical examples from business, physical, ecological, and social systems.
Questions and Comments
We will be happy to answer your questions and would like to hear your comments. Please contact us.
